The Back 98™: A Blog Series about Your Nonconscious Brain

The phrase refers to the nonconscious parts of your brain, your most fantastic, untapped resource at work. I'll offer a series of posts on how to use parts of it to improve your performance at work.

Why do you call it "The Back 98"?

Folk lore says we control about two percent (2%) of our brain neurons when conscious compared with 98% that we do not control. Exactly how much of the brain fires up due to our "conscious" effort is in dispute.

Why 98? Are you sure 2% of our brain supports consciousness: did you just make that up?

Again: folk lore and not much science hints that consciousness takes up about 2% of our brain; leaving 98% as nonconscious. Whether 98%, 90% or 0%: we might as well start somewhere. I choose 98%.

What's the point if you don't know the right number?

We can agree we don't control our entire brain (good news for most of what happens, true?). Still, can you actively control parts of your nonconscious brain? Should you? I'll explore those questions in this series.

Have at it: are there specific parts of the back 98 I should control?

Yes. That question highlights the point of this series. Breakthroughs in neuropsychology and business management hint at how we can better manage our brains. Better brains mean better performance and better results at work.

Why manage my brain; isn't the problem managing and leading other people?

You're not suggesting another book about leadership! Compelling evidence mounts: manage yourself better and you will manage and lead others better. The ancient advice still rings true: know thyself.

Yes: all of those apply. Stephen Covey's book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People does too, as do insights from Deming, Drucker and other management gurus. Jung and fellow psychologists explored these truths and of course, millions are guided by spiritual leaders including Jesus Christ, Lao Tzu, Buddha and others. The focus of much brain research for the moment is on the self. This is good news, as brain science continues to describe in ever more precise detail what happens when we think and feel and do things.

You mean focus on self never left our cultural conscious: it's an ancient preoccupation?

Yes.

It's just different now because of breakthroughs in brain science?

Quite right.

And you'll discuss how to manage my brain to improve my work efforts?

Bingo.

Who else recommends a brain-focused approach for the workplace?

I am not alone in this effort: coaches, facilitators, and psychologists are joining forces to get the word out. This blog series will simply offer you my highlights: my 2¢. I intend for you to enjoy the experience.

10) Placebos in the Workplace: The Case for Leadership and Management Pills.

Are you going to say more?

Yes, just not right now. I look forward to sharing this exciting area of brain-focused, work-related information with you. Let's claim some of the precious real estate of our nonconscious brain; it's waiting for us in The Back 98.

Very happy to see cognitive science brought to bear in the business world. So much focus in business is on financial metrics and management as an institutional tool-- it will be refreshing to get some insights on personal growth and betterment that transcends the normal discourse.

Upcoming Events

September 4

September 18

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